Chapter 50 You Hurt Me
Benjamin didn't want to be remembered this way, nor did he want to leave deep scars on those closest to him.
So, he chose to mask himself with indifference, distancing himself from everyone around him.
For years, Benjamin had always maintained that cold, detached demeanor.
It was Sophia's arrival that changed everything.
For the first time in over twenty years, Alaric saw a childlike innocence in Benjamin.
As he kept smiling, Alaric felt his eyes sting and his vision blur.
He raised a hand to wipe the corners of his eyes, realizing they were already wet.
Meanwhile, as soon as Sophia got in the car, a wave of drowsiness overwhelmed her.
In no time, she was fast asleep.
Benjamin had long gotten used to Sophia's nonstop chatter, like a radio that never turned off, eager to share every interesting thing she encountered.
Today, Sophia was unusually quiet.
Benjamin glanced over and saw her head tilted, resting against the seat, sound asleep.
Benjamin's lips tightened slightly as his gaze settled on Sophia's eyelids.
The setting sun streamed through the window, casting an orange glow on Sophia's small face, bathing her in a warm light.
Her long lashes curled slightly, and the sunlight cast a shadow on her eyelids, making them look a bit dark.
This was the second time Benjamin had seen Sophia like this.
It was as if her soul had been drained, sleeping deeply, her face devoid of color.
Even her usually glossy red lips looked dry.
The first time was a few days ago when she woke up after he had a severe episode.
She had been lying beside him, small and delicate.
Her face was pale, her breathing shallow, as if she might stop breathing at any moment.
Recalling that moment, Benjamin was startled and quickly hit the brakes.
Sophia, deep in sleep and unprepared, suddenly lurched forward.
Just as she thought she was about to hit the mirror in front of her, her forehead bumped into something hard.
She opened her eyes to see a strong, slender arm stretched out in front of her forehead.
Sophia exclaimed, rubbing her reddened forehead with a sweet, slightly whiny voice, "Ouch, you hurt me."
Benjamin withdrew his arm, his deep voice gentle, "I'm sorry."
Sophia pouted, "If saying sorry fixed everything, what would we need the police for?"
Benjamin looked over to see Sophia with her hands on her hips, her delicate face scrunched up, a frown on her forehead, looking very unhappy.
Benjamin asked with interest, "So, what do you want to do?"
He was curious to see what Sophia had in mind.
After spending time together, Benjamin had completely figured out Sophia's personality.
She seemed spoiled, but her demands always surprised him.
He had never seen anyone who could be so adorable, even when angry.
Sure enough, the next second, Sophia extended a finger, bringing her forehead closer, her tone filled with a mix of pride and playfulness, "Kiss it better, and I'll forgive you."
Benjamin leaned back in his seat, his long fingers tapping lightly on the steering wheel, his eyes showing an expression of ‘I knew it.'
He cleared his throat and refused, "Your forehead's red. Looks like it's hurt. How about I take you to the hospital to get it checked out?"
"No, no need! A kiss will make it better." Sophia blinked her clear, watery eyes, staring at Benjamin with a puzzled look.
In the past, whenever she pouted, he would obediently kiss her.
Why was this time different?
Benjamin insisted, "That's not gonna cut it. If your head's hurt, Grandpa will kill me. We should go to the hospital."
With that, Benjamin started the engine, preparing to drive Sophia to the hospital.
The next second, Sophia's delicate little hand rested on his, "No, don't go. I'm fine, really. I don't need a kiss anymore."
Sophia withdrew her hand, her eyes instantly turning red with grievance.
Seeing this, Benjamin immediately dropped the playful act.
His eyes sharpened as he leaned in quickly, "Are you mad?"
"No." Sophia said, but her body turned towards the car door, showing him the back of her head.
Benjamin rubbed his forehead helplessly, cupping Sophia's small head to make her face him.
"I was just joking."
With that, Benjamin leaned in, his lips gently pressing a kiss on her smooth, full forehead.
"Don't be mad, okay?"
Sophia crossed her arms, her red lips pouting slightly, "Not enough! One kiss was enough before, but now... you owe me three!"
She held up three fingers, her entire face serious.
Benjamin took her hand, kissing each of her raised fingers.
Benjamin, who always appeared cold and distant, exuding a powerful, icy aura, had surprisingly soft lips.
As his lips touched Sophia's fingers, it felt like a spark of warmth, making her skin around the area heat up instantly.
Then, she felt a warm kiss on her temple.
Finally, a kiss on the corner of her lips.
Benjamin's unique, cool scent enveloped her, making her feel as if she were immersed in a vast ocean, waves crashing over her.
Instinctively, she clutched at Benjamin's clothes, holding her breath as her heart pounded uncontrollably.
After what felt like an eternity, Sophia's face grew hot.
She kept her eyes shut, her lashes trembling slightly, as if she were afraid of something.
The next second, she heard a soft chuckle.
Sophia opened her eyes to see Benjamin's handsome face, his chiseled jawline smooth, his features deep and striking.
Above, a pair of perfectly shaped lips.
His lips were warm.
Above that, eyes filled with amusement.
Those eyes were like a deep sea, vast and unfathomable, giving a sense of mystery.
"What? Stunned?" Benjamin's teasing voice broke the silence, and Sophia quickly leaned back.
Seeing her reaction, Benjamin couldn't help but laugh, "What are you afraid of? Do you think I'll eat you?"
Sophia didn't respond.
She glanced at Benjamin, silently thinking to herself.
A moment ago, didn't he look like he wanted to eat her up?
Seeing Sophia's angry expression, Benjamin decided to change the subject, "What did you do today? Why are you so tired?"
Falling asleep as soon as she got in the car was unusual for her.